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Anniversary of the 19th Amendment: Having a Voice through Voting

August 18, 2017

Today, August 18th, is the 97th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. This amendment, which gives women the right to vote, was nicknamed the Anthony Amendment after Susan B. Anthony. Though she is famous for fighting for women’s suffrage, she originally became an activist to fight for abolition and equal pay. It wasn’t until she spoke at the U.S. National Council of Women that she explained, "I wasn't ready to vote, didn't want to vote, but I did want equal pay for equal work." She realized that the key to affecting any change was having a voice through voting.

111 years after Anthony’s death, we still carry the banner of the suffragettes who advocated for equal pay, healthcare, and the right to organize. But thanks to their sacrifices, we already have the right to have our voices heard at the ballot box. This November 7th, it is crucial that we exercise that right to vote for candidates that will fight for policies that help working families across the state. You can find a list of candidates that we have endorsed here. However you decide, today is an important reminder that you exercise this right that many brave women and men have fought and died to protect.